United Kingdom Statutory Instruments

"the Act" means the Weights and Measures Act 1985;

"accuracy class" means designation as Class Y(a) or Y(b), together referred to as Class Y(y), in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 1;

"automatic catchweighing instrument" means an automatic weighing instrument which weighs pre-assembled discrete loads or single loads of loose material, but does not include - 

(a) an automatic weight grading instrument, that is to say, an instrument which sub-divides articles of different mass into several sub-groups each characterised by a given mass range; or

(b) an automatic checkweighing instrument, that is to say, an instrument which sub-divides articles of different mass into two or more sub-groups according to the value of the difference between their mass and the nominal set point;

"automatic weighing instrument" means a weighing instrument which weighs without the intervention of an operator and follows a pre-determined programme of automatic processes characteristic of the instrument;

"automatic zero-setting device" means a device for setting the indication to zero automatically without the intervention of an operator;

"certificate of approval" means a certificate of approval of a pattern granted or renewed by the Secretary of State under section 12 of the Act;

"control instrument" means a weighing instrument used to determine the mass of the test loads;

"initial verification testing" means testing in accordance with the provisions of regulation 6(c);

"level indicator" means a device which indicates when the structure to which it is attached is tilted away from its correct operating position;

"load receptor" means a part of an automatic catchweighing instrument intended to receive the load;

"load transport system" means the system used to transport the load over the load receptor;

"maximum capacity" means the maximum weighing capacity, not taking into account the additive tare capacity;

"minimum capacity" means the rated value of the load below which the weighing results may be subject to an excessive relative error;

"non-automatic zero-setting device" means a device for setting the indication to zero by an operator;

"OIML R51" or "R51" means the International Recommendation OIML R51 of the Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale relating to automatic catchweighing instruments (Edition 1996 (E));

"prescribed limits of error" has the meaning set out in regulation 10(3);

"semi-automatic zero-setting device" means a device for setting the indication to zero automatically following a manual command;

(a) it has been erected and installed in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 2; and

(b) the requirements of Schedule 3 in respect of its use and manner of use are complied with.

(a) it complies with all the appropriate requirements of these Regulations; and

(b) on testing, it falls within the prescribed limits of error in relation to passing as fit for use for trade.

    (2) An inspector shall not pass as fit for use for trade an automatic catchweighing instrument imported from another EEA State unless - 

(a) where the requisite documentation is presented in accordance with regulation 9, the test report recites and the test data confirm to the satisfaction of the inspector that, on testing in accordance with the provisions of clause 5.3 (initial verification) of Part 1 of OIML R51 or on an equivalent basis, that automatic catchweighing instrument fell within limits of error which afford in use an equivalent standard to the prescribed limits of error; and

(b) it otherwise complies with all the relevant requirements of these Regulations.

(a) on testing in accordance with clause 5.3 of Part 1 of OIML R51 fails to fall within the prescribed limits of error for in-service testing; or

(b) fails to comply with any other appropriate requirement of these Regulations.

(a) the following sub-paragraph is inserted after sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (2) - 


" (j) subject to paragraph (6) below, automatic catchweight weighing machines of accuracy classification Class III or Class IIII;"; and



(b) the following paragraph is added at the end - 

• name or identification mark of the manufacturer

• name or identification mark of the importer (if applicable)

• serial number and type designation of the instrument

• maximum rate of operation (if applicable) in the form: . . .loads per minute

• maximum speed of load transport system (if applicable) in the form: . . .m/s

• electrical supply voltage in the form:…V

• electrical supply frequency in the form:…Hz

• working fluid pressure (if applicable) in the form:…kPa

• adjustment range referred to set point (if applicable) in the form: ± . . . g or % (of set point value)

     3.8.2 Markings shown in code

• pattern approval sign

• indication of the class of accuracy Y(y)

• verification scale interval in the form: e =…

• actual scale interval in the form: d =…

• maximum capacity in the form: Max =…

• minimum capacity in the form: Min =…

• maximum tare additive in the form: T = +…

• maximum tare subtractive in the form: T =-…

     3.8.3 Supplementary markings
Depending upon the particular use of the instrument, supplementary markings may be required on pattern approval by the metrological authority issuing the pattern approval certificate (for example: temperature range).

Additional markings may be required on initial verification to specify types of packs and related weighing conditions.

     3.8.4 Presentation of descriptive markings
Descriptive markings shall be indelible and of a size, shape and clarity that permit legibility under normal conditions of use.

They shall be grouped together in a clearly visible place on the instrument, either on a descriptive plate fixed near the indicating device or on the indicating device itself. It shall be possible to seal the plate bearing the markings, unless it cannot be removed without being destroyed.

The descriptive markings may be shown on a programmable display which is controlled by software. In this case, means shall be provided for any access to reprogramming of the markings to be automatically and non-erasably recorded, e.g. by traceable access software. When a programmable display is used, the plate of the instrument shall bear at least the following markings:

• type and designation of the instrument

• name or identification mark of the manufacturer

• pattern approval number

• electrical supply voltage

• electrical supply frequency

• pneumatic pressure.

     3.9 Verification marks


     3.9.1 Position
Instruments shall have a place for the application of verification marks. This place shall:

• be such that the part on which it is located cannot be removed from the instrument without damaging the marks

• allow easy application of the mark without changing the metrological qualities of the instrument

• be visible without the instrument or its protective covers having to be moved when it is in service.

     3.9.2 Mounting
Instruments required to bear verification marks shall have a verification mark support, at the place provided for above, which shall ensure the conservation of the marks.

When the mark is made with a stamp the support may consist of a strip of lead or any other material with similar qualities, inserted into a plate fixed to the instrument, or in a cavity bored in the instrument.

Additional Descriptive Marking
utomatic catchweighing instruments shall bear the additional descriptive marking "R51" which shall be presented in accordance with the provisions of clause 3.9.2 of Part 1 of OIML R51.